I recently attended a CE course, where this surveying technology was explained. My friend, who is an expert in Revit asked a really imprtant question: What format does the point cloud file come in? How can you use it in Revit? and we all discovered that the information had to be traced over, to become useful in construction documentation.
I also learned how expensive the equipment and related services are. I suppose it has applications. but make sure if and when you order, that you will actually use them.
I was not surprised to learn that the one entity that hired services was a local government, wanting to preserve an "historic"structure.
Despite the above, i am intrigued; I recently found a company named Occipital that sells an iPad attachment. it does not use point cloud, instead it creates a mesh. and they convert the files to CAD or Revit formats.
I purchased the device, but have yet to try it out.
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Ivan Contreras, LEED AP, AIA
Qualifier | Director
CONTRERAS MUNOZ & CO
Miami FL
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Original Message:
Sent: 03-04-2019 17:05
From: Matthew Woodruff
Subject: Have you used Lidar during construction?
Shelby,
the case for Lidar simply put is that the built environment is not accurately reflected in Record Drawings. The tools of our trade depend on things being plumb, square and level. even in new construction the precision and tolerances of construction vary (though they are greatly improved in our day). Working on existing buildings on any complexity or size means that the record drawings (formerly referred to as 'as-builts') are at best 90% accurate. in practice i have found when field verifying dimensions for a remodel / renovation project, that the historic drawings can be off by quite alot. (I found columns increasingly out of place with the worst case being 24"). Now that may not seem like alot but when you are planning for upgrades to structure, opening up floor plates, running new stairs, installing / updating plumbing, electrical, etc. the assurance that comes from having access to a LIDAR point cloud and accompanying 360 degree imagery, means that a drafter can zoom in, isolate, manipulate the point cloud to cut sections through the building to see behind the finishes and respond to reality. Yes LIDAR is an investment, but if it is a project of significance, or if you want to avoid the headaches that are inevitable in assuming all columns align, that the walls are plumb and square, then go ahead and take a pass.
As for me, anytime i am faced with a remodel / renovation of anything larger than a convenience store i will lobby for the owner to invest in a LIDAR point cloud for the project.
hope this helps
M. Scott Woodruff
Sr. Project Manager
Klai Juba Wald
Las Vegas, NV
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Matthew Woodruff AIA
Sr. Project Architect
Klai Juba Wald Architects
LAS VEGAS NV
Original Message:
Sent: 02-27-2019 13:06
From: Shelby Morris
Subject: Have you used Lidar during construction?
Has anyone used Lidar during construction, such as to help document the site and/or ensure quality control?
Lidar has been a popular topic of conversation in my circles, but I'd love to hear from people who have used or considered the practical application in their own work. We are currently using Lidar on a project and would like to make sure its worth the investment. Have you found Lidar to be particularly useful during construction? Are there any tools you've found essential for being able to utilize all the raw data you collect? What challenges have you had with Lidar? Any tips for people considering incorporating it into their own work?
Alternatively, if you've considered Lidar and decided not to use it, why?
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Shelby Morris AIA
Associate Principal
The Beck Group
Atlanta GA
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